WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced that the Allegany Board of Commissioners has received an $869,000 grant from the Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD) to extend Allegany County water mains to connect to the Rawlings community water system and replace the existing aged distribution system. In addition to the grant, the project will be funded by a loan of $461,000 from USDA-RD to Allegany County.
“All Marylanders deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the water coming out of their faucet is clean and safe. Keeping this a reality is becoming increasingly more difficulty as the water infrastructure we rely on outlives its expected lifespan,” said Senator Cardin. “I applaud USDA-RD’s proactive approach, and strategic investments in innovative projects designed to meet the current and future needs of our water systems in Allegany County and across the nation. We must continue to take a proactive approach, making strategic investments in innovative projects designed to meet the current and future needs of our water systems.”
“Maryland cities and towns need to upgrade their water and sewer infrastructure but they can’t do it on their own,” Senator Mikulski said. “These funds will allow Allegany County to update critical infrastructure. It will create construction jobs today and a modernized water system that promotes community health and economic growth tomorrow.”
This funding will be used to pick up new distribution lines to extend into the Rawlings area and connect users within the service area. A new water storage tank and treatment facility will also be constructed. After completion of the project the county will own and maintain the system, which is currently privately owned. This is the third and final phase of funding to update the Rawlings Water Distribution System in an effort to bring safe and reliable public water to this 350 home community. In addition, $800,000 of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds will be made available through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCH). Allegany County will contribute $261,000.
Senator Cardin is Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Water Subcommittee. Senator Mikulski is Chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee. Together they understand the economic, environmental and quality of life benefits of investing in infrastructure.
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